HOMOPHOBIA FINALLY PENALIZABLE IN BRAZIL

The Supreme Court ruled that homophobia was tantamount to the crime of racism. Acts of racism are punishable in Brazil from one to three years in prison or fines. As a result of the Supreme Court decision, these sentences will now be applicable to acts of homophobia.

For Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, the Supreme Court would have exceeded its prerogatives by criminalizing homophobia. As part of the job, an employer will "think twice" before hiring a homosexual for fear of being accused of homophobia, said Jair Bolsonaro at a breakfast in Brasilia with reporters.

"You need a balance (at the court). It's not about mixing politics and religion, "he added. The Supreme Court was "completely wrong" because it "went to the legislative field," added the president, elected thanks to the support of ultra-conservative Pentecostal churches.

The decision of the Supreme Court was acquired by eight votes against three. But, according to Jair Bolsonaro, if there had been an evangelical judge, he would have "asked for a delay" to analyze the question, leaving the vote in abeyance.

The former military had already mentioned the end of May the possibility of appointing an evangelical judge in the Supreme Court where two positions will be vacant before the end of his term in 2022.